Milan revolution: Why Ibrahimovic was not sacked and remains key to new project
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is not directly employed by Milan, so he technically can’t be sacked by the Rossoneri, yet he has a key role in the club’s rebuild, also because he holds shares in RedBird, reports Gazzetta.
The role of Ibrahimovic at Milan has been widely debated since the ex-striker was appointed as RedBird’s ‘Operating Partner’ and ‘Senior Advisor to Ownership’ in December 2023.
In the following season, Ibra took a leading role in shaping the team, making significant contributions to the selection of new signings and coaches, first Paulo Fonseca and then Sérgio Conceição.
As the Rossoneri failed to secure qualification for Europe in 2024-25, Ibra was overshadowed by new sporting director Igli Tare and new coach Massimiliano Allegri, but now that a new revolution has begun, Zlatan has taken centre stage again.
Ibra is the only survivor of Milan’s overhaul, which saw Allegri, Tare, Giorgio Furlani (CEO), and Geoffrey Moncada (Technical Director) sacked by the club the day after the end of the 2024-25 season, with Milan out of a Champions League spot.
Milan ultras have also been calling for Ibra’s dismissal, but technically, the ex-striker is not directly employed by the club and has no official role there.
Furthermore, according to Gazzetta, Ibrahimovic is also a shareholder of Cardinale’s RedBird.
VERONA, ITALY – MARCH 17: Zlatan Ibrahimovic looks on prior to the Serie A TIM match between Hellas Verona FC and AC Milan at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on March 17, 2024 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The report claims that Ibrahimovic agreed to buy stakes in the American fund months after Paolo Maldini had rejected the same offer.
Maldini was sacked by Milan in June 2023, and Ibrahimovic was hired as RedBird’s Senior Advisor the following December.
